Change to Voting Precincts

The City of Battle Creek has condensed the number of precincts from 21 to 13. While some precinct numbers have changed, not all voters will be assigned to a different polling location. Please refer to the new precinct map above and the chart below for more details.

Understanding Precincts vs. Polling Locations

Precinct: A precinct is a designated geographic area defined by the local Election Commission. Michigan law restricts the number of voters in each precinct to ensure manageable voting.

Polling Location: This is the specific place or facility where voters go to cast their votes. Sometimes, voters from multiple precincts may use the same polling location.

Where Do I Vote?

Check the new precinct numbers and polling locations listed below, and don’t forget to consult the interactive map above for further reference!

What Has Changed?

The City of Battle Creek is divided into 5 Wards. Each ward previously had 4-5 precincts, but they will now be consolidated into just 2-3 precincts. Affected voters will see a different precinct number on their voter ID card and ballot and may have a new polling location, but the voting process will remain the same.

Will I Be Notified If I'm Affected?

Yes! Once the Michigan Bureau of Elections has updated the voter registration database with the new precinct changes, the City Clerk’s Office will send out new voter ID cards to all voters affected by these changes in late January 2026, which will provide their updated precinct and polling location information. 

The card, which looks like a postcard, contains information about a voter’s assigned Election Day polling place. Voters are encouraged to review their information and familiarize themselves with precinct and polling place changes.

The Change of Address portion of the card only needs to be returned if the voter’s registration information needs to be updated. Voters do not need to present their precinct card to vote; it is for the voter’s reference only.

Voter ID cards are also mailed out routinely to residents who register to vote and voters who update their voter information.

What should I do if I get a Voter ID card for someone who doesn’t live at my address?

Write “Return to Sender - Does Not Live Here” on the card and put it back in your mailbox for your postal carrier to pick up.

What happens after the Clerk’s Office gets a returned Voter ID card?

When a Voter ID card is returned, it tells us the voter may no longer live at that address - or may have passed away. Here’s what happens next:

• The voter’s record is marked “Verify" in the QVF system.
• We send a confirmation notice to the voter.
  • This notice can be forwarded, so if the voter filed a change of address with USPS, it may reach them at their new address or be returned to us with forwarding information.
•  If we get a forwarding address, we mail the notice to that new address.
• If the voter comes to vote or requests an Absentee Ballot while their record is marked “Verify,” they must confirm their address before receiving a ballot.

What happens if the confirmation notice comes back as undeliverable?

• The voter’s record is updated to “Challenged.”
• The voter must then provide proof of address the next time they vote.
• Their registration begins a cancellation countdown:
• If they do not vote by the second November General Election (held in even‑numbered years) after the notice is sent, their voter registration will be cancelled.

What if the person is deceased?

This same process applies when mail is returned for a voter who has died.

• Write “Return to Sender - Deceased” on the card and put it back in your mailbox for your postal carrier to pick up.
• The Clerk’s Office will research and verify the death using state death records or other official information.
• If the death can be confirmed, the voter’s registration is cancelled.
• If death records cannot be fully verified, the voter’s record will be placed in the “Verify” status and follow the same process used for voters who may have moved.

Why this process matters

Returning mail for someone who no longer lives at your address - or has passed away - helps the Clerk’s Office keep voter rolls accurate and up to date.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

With an increasing number of voters opting for mail-in or early in-person voting, state law now allows for a higher number of voters per precinct, up to 4,999. The passing of Senate Bill 573 of 2023 (PA 227 of 2023) raised the precinct size limit from 2,999 to 4,999 voters per precinct, facilitating the consolidation of precincts.

Since the passing of Proposal 3 in 2018, allowing ‘No Reason’ absentee voting, and Proposal 2 in 2022, implementing 9 days of early voting, the Clerk’s Office has observed a decrease of in-person voting on election day. As voters become more aware of early voting, we anticipate that in-person voting on election day will continue to decline and that each voting method - early voting, absentee ballots, and election day voting - will average one-third of the total votes cast.

The cost of elections continues to rise. By consolidating precincts, we estimate savings of $9,000 to $15,000 per election, along with reduced costs related to election equipment and supplies. This allows us to hire fewer election workers and lower programming and maintenance costs.

The Clerk’s Office is confident that increasing the number of voters per precinct will not have an impact on election administration. While this change may increase the average number of voters in precincts on election day, we know our polling locations and workers can accommodate this. This change will also allow Clerk staff to respond more efficiently on Election Day assisting the 13 precincts instead of 21.

Impact of Mail-In Voting

If you vote by mail, your precinct number may have changed on your ballot, but the voting process will remain the same. 

If you were already added to the Permanent Absentee Voter (AV) Ballot list, you are STILL on the list even if your precinct changed during this consolidation process.

Voters can verify that they are on the Permanent AV Ballot list, as well as all of your voting details, at mi.gov/vote

Once on the page, select "Am I registered?" under "Your voter information."

Have More Questions?

We understand you may have questions, and the City of Battle Creek is committed to helping residents successfully cast their votes. For more information, please visit the City’s Election page or email us at cityclerk@battlecreekmi.gov.